JamesOLeary
Master at Arms
In my mind, I have several great ideas for dioramas that I would like to build. The main problem, though, is space and the ability to transport what I would like to build. An example is the diorama I want to build using the figures that are in the thread about "Platoon Sergeant on Radio". The diorama would be of the entire patrol and the activities of each Soldier, but when you factor in intervals between Soldiers, terrain, and stuff like that, the diorama would become huge and most likely would not adhere to the "rules" concerning composition, balance, etc. for a diorama. What I have been playing around with in my mind, and now that I cut a bunch of blocks for bases with the bases as well, would be a split up diorama so to speak. It would consist of several vignettes where I can position them on a larger display, such as a map or sketch, where they can still show interaction and the viewer can understand the story, but the large areas of wasted space would be eliminated and the work can be a bit more compressed but still maintain the understanding that there is some distance between the pieces.
Here are a few photos of what I am talking about. These blocks are not necessarily laid out in the way they will be, but it serves as an illustration of the concept. The 'vignette' of the Platoon Sergeant with his RTO shows interaction between them and another element of the scene on a different block. The second set of figures may not be the one's located there, but let's say that this is the LT and another Soldier looking at a map or something. The Platoon Sergeant is clearly interacting with the LT in this example. Figures from the other blocks would also have some sort of connection with those near them. Then the whole thing could also be modular where sections could be moved. Ultimately, instead of a 3 or 4 foot long diorama with a lot of wasted space, I can cut it down to several easily transportable vignettes that can be arranged as a single display in a way that tells the story that the "diorama" is designed to convey.
Here is the overview of how they could be set up:
Each "vignette" would have it's own story. This one is where the platoon sergeant is inquiring about something or is giving direction to another element. The RTO is leaning forward to adjust the weight of the radio. Those of you who have humped a ruck have done this to rest or stretch your back from time to time. He will have his left hand on his knee to support the weight and an M16 in his right hand. The head I chose that looks like someone who is a bit worn out from the weight and humidity will be glued on after I finish removing the flak jacket and sculpt in jungle fatigue details.
And here you can see the clear interaction between the two scenes.
I'm not sure how well this will work, but if it doesn't, I will at least have a bunch of vignettes that could be displayed separately, too.
What are some of your thoughts?
Cheers,
James
Here are a few photos of what I am talking about. These blocks are not necessarily laid out in the way they will be, but it serves as an illustration of the concept. The 'vignette' of the Platoon Sergeant with his RTO shows interaction between them and another element of the scene on a different block. The second set of figures may not be the one's located there, but let's say that this is the LT and another Soldier looking at a map or something. The Platoon Sergeant is clearly interacting with the LT in this example. Figures from the other blocks would also have some sort of connection with those near them. Then the whole thing could also be modular where sections could be moved. Ultimately, instead of a 3 or 4 foot long diorama with a lot of wasted space, I can cut it down to several easily transportable vignettes that can be arranged as a single display in a way that tells the story that the "diorama" is designed to convey.
Here is the overview of how they could be set up:
Each "vignette" would have it's own story. This one is where the platoon sergeant is inquiring about something or is giving direction to another element. The RTO is leaning forward to adjust the weight of the radio. Those of you who have humped a ruck have done this to rest or stretch your back from time to time. He will have his left hand on his knee to support the weight and an M16 in his right hand. The head I chose that looks like someone who is a bit worn out from the weight and humidity will be glued on after I finish removing the flak jacket and sculpt in jungle fatigue details.
And here you can see the clear interaction between the two scenes.
I'm not sure how well this will work, but if it doesn't, I will at least have a bunch of vignettes that could be displayed separately, too.
What are some of your thoughts?
Cheers,
James